The Vijay Hazare Trophy often serves as a confidence booster ahead of the IPL, but for some big names, the 2025–26 edition turned into a reality check. Despite their IPL credentials, several players failed to make a meaningful impact in India’s premier domestic 50-over tournament. Here’s a look at five IPL stars whose performances fell well short of expectations.
5. Urvil Patel (Chennai Super Kings)
Chennai Super Kings wicketkeeper-batter Urvil Patel struggled to find rhythm throughout the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26. Representing Gujarat, the right-hander managed just 194 runs in seven matches at an average of 27.72, registering only one half-century. His inconsistency hurt Gujarat’s campaign, as they won only three matches and finished fifth in Elite Group D. Despite the underwhelming domestic season, CSK showed faith by retaining him for ₹30 lakh ahead of IPL 2026.
4. Ayush Badoni (Lucknow Super Giants)
Ayush Badoni endured a torrid run with the bat, producing one of the most disappointing seasons among established IPL players. Turning out for Delhi, Badoni scored a mere 16 runs in three matches, averaging just 8.00. Although Delhi reached the quarter-finals, his contribution was negligible. What surprised many fans and experts was his inclusion in India’s ODI squad as a replacement for the injured Washington Sundar, a decision that sparked widespread debate given his poor domestic form.
3. Prithvi Shaw (Delhi Capitals)
Expectations were high when Prithvi Shaw turned out for Maharashtra, but the former India opener failed to deliver consistently. Shaw accumulated 193 runs in six matches at an average of 32.16, including two half-centuries, but never looked dominant. Finishing the tournament with fewer than 200 runs, his performance raised questions about his form and temperament. Nevertheless, Delhi Capitals backed his potential, snapping him up for ₹75 lakh at the IPL 2026 auction.
2. Rajat Patidar (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
Injuries curtailed Rajat Patidar’s Vijay Hazare campaign, preventing him from gaining momentum. The RCB captain played just three matches for Madhya Pradesh, scoring 67 runs in two innings at an average of 33.50. His highest score of 38 came in the quarter-final against Punjab, where Madhya Pradesh were bowled out for 162 while chasing a daunting 346. Limited game time and fitness concerns meant Patidar couldn’t make the impact many expected.
1. Vaibhav Arora (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Topping the list is KKR pacer Vaibhav Arora, who had a particularly tough outing with Himachal Pradesh. While he picked up nine wickets in seven matches, his lack of control proved costly. Arora conceded 359 runs at an average of 39.88, with an economy rate of 6.33, often struggling to contain batters in crucial spells. Himachal Pradesh managed only three wins and finished fifth in Elite Group C, with Arora’s inconsistency a major concern.
